Secret Garden Appetizer (Print view)

A whimsical blend of cheese cubes, edible flowers, and microgreens creates an elegant starter for any gathering.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cut into small cubes
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, cut into small cubes
03 - 3.5 oz Gruyère, cut into small cubes

→ Greens & Flowers

04 - 2.6 oz microgreens (pea shoots, radish greens, or mixed micro herbs)
05 - 1 cup edible flowers (nasturtiums, pansies, violets, borage, calendula, etc.)

→ Garnish & Extras

06 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
07 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Evenly distribute the different cheese cubes across a large serving board or platter, leaving space between each variety.
02 - Generously scatter microgreens over and around the cheese cubes to partially conceal them.
03 - Tuck edible flowers amongst the microgreens to create a vibrant, garden-like presentation.
04 - Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the greens and flowers if desired.
05 - Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Present immediately, encouraging guests to forage beneath the foliage for the cheese cubes.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art, but takes just 20 minutes and requires zero cooking skill.
  • Guests genuinely have fun discovering hidden cheese treasures beneath the foliage, turning appetizers into a playful game.
  • Three different cheeses means three different flavor moments, from sharp to creamy to earthy.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free without feeling like a compromise.
02 -
  • Cut your cheese at least 30 minutes before assembling so it's firm and holds its shape better—soft cheese gets harder to find and eat.
  • Edible flowers wilt if they get warm or sit too long, so assemble this as close to serving time as you can, ideally no more than 2 hours ahead.
  • That pinch of salt matters far more than you'd think on something this delicate; it awakens the cheese and bridges the flavors together.
03 -
  • Let your cheese sit at room temperature for just 5 minutes before serving—it tastes exponentially better when it's not ice-cold, and the textures become more distinct.
  • If you want this to feel even more special, lightly toast the microgreens by leaving them in a cool, dry spot for a few hours before serving—it concentrates their flavor and gives them a subtle crunch that's almost impossible to describe but everyone notices.
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